John Cartwright has relinquished his position as head coach of Hull FC, effective immediately. This move comes as Steve McNamara is set to join the team as the new head coach for the 2027 Betfred Super League season.
Although Cartwright is no longer at the helm, he remains a Hull FC employee. In the interim, assistant coach Andy Last will assume the role of head coach for the remainder of the current season. McNamara, meanwhile, will continue to serve as an assistant coach at Warrington Wolves until the end of the 2026 campaign.
A renowned figure in the sport, McNamara will return to his roots, having risen through Hull FC's youth ranks before enjoying a distinguished playing career that included over 160 senior appearances and international representation. His coaching career spans two decades, with notable stints at Bradford Bulls, Catalans Dragons, and the England international side, as well as experience in the NRL. During his tenure with the Dragons, McNamara led the team to unprecedented success, including a Challenge Cup final win and two Super League Grand Final appearances.
Hull FC's chief executive, Richie Myler, expressed his delight at securing McNamara's services, citing his exceptional coaching caliber and deep understanding of the club and city. Andrew Thirkill, Hull FC's chairman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing McNamara's experience, leadership, and high standards as crucial in building a competitive team. Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every Super League game live, with two matches per round shown exclusively and the remaining five available on Sky Sports+.